Not the right town hall plan
Dear Independent,
Some thoughts on the proposed town hall:
1. The Need. No question about it. It has been sorely needed for over 20 years! The best we (taxpayers) down here in the rowing section of this galley can hope for is a wise dispensing of the public's money.
2. Location. Should be accessible to the citizenry. Exactly where makes no difference. Most of us who go there will have to drive regardless of the location. However, if in close proximity to the village center access will be an arduous task in the summer.
3. The Design. My first impression is we are going after a white elephant that has but one use - village administration offices. The town "hall" should contain ALL of the town civic offices; i.e., manager and administration, schools and police. Every time I drive by the Kittery edifice, I admire their common sense approach. Where is ours? While we have been arguing about this for over 20 years, the good citizens of Kittery went out and did it. We could learn from them. It approaches "out of the envelope" (as distinct from "out of the box") thinking to assume we can afford three separate tracts of land for three separate buildings for three functions which by their nature should be together. It is sheer arrogance to assume that everyone in town can afford the tax increase resulting from a $6.5 million expenditure for such a "fairly noticeable presence" (defined by Selectman Marshall [York Independent, Feb 8-21, 2008])." Bottom line: A structure that houses all three functions built to allow for expansion is well within the capability of building design. If the selectmen will but clearly evidence some thought for ALL the townspeople, I would wholeheartedly support a new town hall now. (This is NOT a criticism of the selectmen. They have a tough job and can only play with the cards they were dealt.) Until this rower sees some evidence that we are approaching this task from a sensible standpoint, then I can but do for the town hall what I have been doing for the library: Vote "No." It is the only means at my disposal.
4. Requirement for the Police Department in a separate building. While this may have been a part of the agreement when the town went three ways, the economic situation of today could not have been in the forefront of anybody's mind back then. This requirement should be overruled by my fellow citizens and then we press on to locate the three functions in one structure that we all can afford. Having the school superintendent offices, town administrative offices and the Police Department in separate buildings makes an arrogant statement to those in town whose income is fixed. It is wasteful, takes more land than is required and disregards the resources of all the citizenry now and our children in the future.
5. In spite of the fact that we need a new town hall and as much as I want to, I cannot support this one.
Pete Doe
York
Cast your vote to support schools
Dear Independent,
I write today to encourage all parents, future parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and patrons of our children to get out and vote in this election on May 17. There is nothing greater that you can do for our students than to support York's schools.
This year, the schools need your support to pass the budget, which has been deliberated over for months and which is a result of reasonable compromise all around. We also need support for the music instructional wing, the classrooms that will finally house our high school band and chorus, comprised of over 300 students - a third of the student body. This is not a luxury item but a missing piece of the school building. Music is a core academic subject and a state requirement. Participation is expected to increase due to the fantastic music program in our middle school - we should be so proud of our music students!
The tax dollar amount for this project is an average of about $13 for the year. What a reasonable price to pay to correct a wrong that was done when the high school was built more than 30 years ago.
Mark the date on your calendar or go to Town Hall for an absentee ballot. Anyone is eligible to vote this way. Don't assume that this can happen without your help - it's up to us!
Nancy Garfield
York
The power of unconditional love
Dear Independent,
My letter is far removed from the present issues that our wonderful town must stand its ground with. Although I am only one person, my heart goes out to all who are standing strong in trying to prevent the loss of property, be it land or home.
Now, the main reason I have been moved to write my letter to the editor is far less pressing in the larger scheme of things, but still, is a very real and heartbreaking issue, which happens far too often.
I am an advocate for children and also a voice for animals. My future goals as director of Lift Up the Children include bringing children who have less-than-advantaged lives together with the unconditional love that pets and animals hold. If you are an animal lover and have beloved animal members of your family, then I am sure what I am about to tell you will touch your heart.
On the 6th of April, Pippin, a young tiger cat, was en route to my home via his family. Suffering from severe allergies had prevented them from keeping him any longer. I have been known to either find homes or just adopt many pets who may otherwise have ended up in a shelter. I had offered to foster this sweet little cat until I was able to find him a forever home. My own pets are very accepting of most animals and I knew there would be no issues in that regard.
Unfortunately, he escaped from the car and fled to the woods between my home and Route 1 before he even made it through our door. Even with watchful eyes from caring neighbors, we had no luck in finding him. I informed the York Police Department and York Animal Hospital of his disappearance with the request that I be contacted in the event that someone was to find him.
On April 30, I received a call from a dear friend who had seen a cat that had been hit just down the road from my home. By the time I got there the cat was gone. I had no idea what to do, and so returned home, hoping that the cat was alright. The next morning I received a phone call from the animal control officer telling me of the incident, and that the cat had been taken to York Animal Hospital. I called them immediately. I was told of an old ear wound and, after relay calls with his previous owners, surmised that it was, in fact, Pippin!
"I'll be right there!" I told the tech. They led me to where he was being kept under watchful eyes. Poor baby; he had sustained blunt head trauma and could not even stand. My eyes welled as I petted him and kissed his head. I was shocked at his condition, but was soon told that the whole office was thrilled to even find him alive when they arrived that morning. Dr. Thompson called him the "Miracle kitty."
There is more to this story, but, for space sake I will just say that the heartless act of this hit-and-run, which caused Pippin's injuries, will never be forgotten. But, because of the selfless reactions of these particular animal lovers, they have given a terrified, lost cat a second chance to be loved and cared for.
Pippin has recovered miraculously over the past week and is now in his forever home. I am so very grateful that, for every individual who would just drive away so heartlessly, there are so many more who are appalled at such a cowardly act. To each and every one of those precious people who contributed to saving Pippin's life, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as do his other "mom" and "dad."
I may not know the order of events, exactly, which brought Pippin to Dr. Thompson's, but I know enough to say that two phone calls to the police - one from the witness who saw that he was still alive and yet another - meant that Pippin, even after such horrible head trauma, will now be able to live out the rest of his life with his forever family.
Debbie Zerbinopoulos
York
Don't be afraid of change
Dear Independent,
Why are so many local people afraid of change? They seem to be stuck in another place and time.
Point number one: why not a Walgreens? So what if there will be three stores in one area selling the same thing? Just think of the benefits that three stores would have to offer; more product choices and competitive pricing are two that instantly come to mind. I prefer Walgreens to Rite Aid, anyway. As a free society, shouldn't that be a choice of the entrepreneur - who opens a legal, moral, ethical business and who doesn't? And the consumer - shouldn't they decide where they want to shop versus those attempting to dictate what goes where in York?
It doesn't seem fair that some businesses are given carte blanche to hang a shingle in this town, while others must jump through insurmountable hoops. This all makes me wonder whether it isn't the old "who you know" or "what can you do for me if I help you?" small town syndrome.
A good example of just how free certain businesses are to open shop in this town is the bank. Look at the amount of banks we have here in York. How did that happen? How many banks does one small town need? I'm not complaining, mind you, but it does seem suspicious, especially when you consider that part of the reason Dunkin Donuts franchise got shot down was because of a drive-through concern. So, what took DD's place? A bank with a drive-through! Hmm.
The other complaint I hear from locals is that small business is going to be hurt as a result of major chain-type competition. Well, I am always puzzled when seeing some of those same groaners roaming the aisles of Hannaford's and gassing up at the larger chains of gas stations.
We have Route 1, which is historically known for business. Why not let them open up there? Maybe all that local spending would lessen the economic burden of this town. A Walgreens on Route 1, and whatever other business would make life easier for locals and visitors alike, should be highly encouraged. The less locals have to go to Portsmouth to get errands done, the better for all concerned. Less spent on gas, and more in the pockets of York.
Another gripe in York is the business roadside displays. What is wrong with that, as long as it's neat and clean? Tourists love to roam that stretch of highway looking for a place to spend their money. They enjoy nothing more than being attracted inside by all of the various selections previewed outdoors. In fact, I, too, love seeing what is outside of these stores myself. It gives me an idea as to whether to take the time to stop, park and head on in. What is the problem, folks? Why not help these businesses by letting them flourish? This is not the dark ages, you know. Change is inevitable. Why fight it?
One last note: Route 1 or somewhere very close would be the perfect stretch for fire, police and town hall. It would cut down on downtown/beach road congestion and make the drive much more equitable for all. The police and fire departments would not have to fight as much traffic to respond to calls to the west of York. It is too bad that the land next to Hannaford's is being taken by an American Legion. Wouldn't that be a wonderful place for the post office, even?
Peace,
Happy Downs
York
Support the York Public Library
Dear Independent,
There can be little doubt that the York Public Library is a great and growing asset for our town. More young children are benefiting from our many early-reading programs. More people are enjoying our expanded collection of magazines and newspapers. More families are checking out our DVDs. More patrons are using our computers and our wireless Internet access. More teens are reading and studying in their own special teens' section. And more people are attending and enjoying our many exceptional programs and presentations.
Library use, by every measure, continues to rise substantially. Not surprisingly, the burden on the library's staff, even aided by our many volunteers, has increased proportionally. The need for an additional professional public services librarian has been clear for some time; it is now acute.
Please help us continue to provide and expand library services to the York community by voting YES on Article 26, which will enable us to add one professional librarian to staff, as well as Article 25, the annual operating budget.
Thank you!
Kevin Sweeney, President
York Public Library Trustees
Sequel to "Cart Before the Horse"
Dear Independent,
As we have a new pharmacy at the corner of Route 91 and Route 1 - plus a pharmacy at Hannaford - we certainly don't need another pharmacy on the corner.
So, why not put the Fire Department and the police station there, where they will have speedy access to Route 1 - east and west, Route 95 - north and south, and Route 91, north. What could be a more perfect spot for emergencies?
Then the Town Hall can be places where the Village Fire Station is currently located, a very central and convenient spot for our Town Hall.
Now the horse is really before the cart - and ready to move!
Cynthia Raymond
York
Support Articles 25 and 26
Dear Independent,
Rarely is there a time when it is easy to ask taxpayers for more money. Now, it is especially difficult because every one of us is affected by a stumbling economy. Yet, I presume to ask our voters to support a modest increase in the York Library budget.
Using figures from just the past two years, we can take pride in the achievements of a dedicated library staff. There has been a 24-percent increase in patronage, and a 34-percent increase in circulation. The Inter- Library Loan Program, which gives access to about 3 million volumes (our own inventory is about 40,000) has become exceedingly popular; but each item must be processed, the person making the request notified when it comes in, and then the whole process reversed when the item is returned.
The library offers programs, in reading, literature, current events, drama, music and film. Special programs are organized to help increase the public's understanding of issues important to the community. A veritable garden of activities is offered to support children in their reading.
Free use of computers offers everyone access to the internet, a public service of great importance in an increasingly wired world.
All these services, and are provided to meet the expressed preferences, concerns and requests made by the community to see that the facility is accessible to all our citizens.
The number of paid staff positions has remained the same since 2001, despite growth on all fronts, and the workload continues to increase even with the help of devoted volunteers. A request last year for one more staff position missed by only 14 votes. It seems to me that the present personnel have extended themselves way beyond reasonable expectations and deserve the benefits that one additional person would provide to help them maintain the excellence we have come to expect and to support them in further growth.
Support Articles 25 and 26.
Thank you,
Cynthia Hayes
York Harbor
Thank you, Katrina Graves
Dear Katrina Graves,
This letter is to thank you for your efforts to bring the daily reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance to York High School. In doing so, you showed outstanding citizenship and patriotism. Your obvious respect for the flag and all it symbolizes is greatly appreciated by the members of the American Legion.
On behalf of all U.S. veterans past and present, we want to extend our gratitude for citizens like you, who truly understand the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve and have served to protect our freedom.
Sincerely,
Ramsdell-Rogers
American Legion Post 56
York
Volunteers are the heart of York
Dear Independent,
In honor of National Volunteer Week, the York Schools Volunteer Department hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at both Village and Coastal Ridge Elementary Schools.
The York Schools are privileged to have a wonderful group of dedicated volunteers helping to enrich the lives of our students. To date, volunteers have contributed over 21,500 hours of volunteer time in our schools this year.
The following York businesses recognized the value of these volunteers by donating many gift certificates and gifts as door prizes. We would like to thank the Dockside Restaurant, Cathie Dennett (VES staff), Freedom Salon, Madjak Creations by Robin Cogger, Coastal Landscaping, York Harbor Inn, York Adult Education, Pie in the Sky, Daisy Trading, Fiona's Porch, Yummies, The Clown and Ginger St. Clair (CRES staff).
"Volunteers are the Heart of our Community" is truly evident in York!
Melanie Ladd
Community Resource Coordinator
Town responsible for drainage
Dear Independent,
My letter last week has garnered good input and suggestions. I am pleased to know the residents in the town of York are interested in being educated regarding real estate property and values.
Taxpayers are as well interested in the truth and being educated in primary consideration of real estate - as all know - which is location, location, location. There has been mention of this property on York Street being a property with drainage issues. It is smart to be advised about any negative issues on a property the town intends to purchase. So why did the town buy a piece of land last year that they did not have a feasibility study on with the cost approach unsolved?
Knowledge regarding the additional spending of the improvement of the land is necessary. But, keep in mind the town is still responsible for the drainage on the property, required by the deed and the state. The drainage issues are because the deed of the land between the former owner and the state made a legal agreement between both, and the state of Maine agreed to repair and maintain the drainage problem and it has taken 20 years for the town to take over the responsibility from the state... Nothing by the town in the way of improvement or correction was done by the town, which makes the town via the deed on this property liable for drainage, down slope never improved and never acknowledged. So when the town of York took over the responsibility of drainage on this property, the town of York became liable for any responsibility. The issue is not a matter of debate because this is a fact in the deed, which leaves the responsibility on the town. The state official who was requested by the former owner, Mr. Perkins, came down and responded to this matter and decided that the town, who took over the legal responsibility through the state, became responsible and required to follow the prescribed responsibilities they (the town) took on when they (the town) became responsible for Route North A1A, York Street.
Marie Forrest
Rak's Cottage
York Village
